CLASS - Extending love and support to schools in Stoddard County

DEXTER, Mo. — Rhonda Stuever’s dream of helping students in need, is now into its third year, and her goal of servicing all schools in Stoddard County has moved closer to becoming a reality. Stuever is a retired Dexter High School teacher.

“Communities Loving and Supporting Students (CLASS) has been embraced by the residents of Stoddard County, and beyond,” reports Toni Pyle of Dexter, treasurer for the organization. “It’s just overwhelming to see the generosity that people extend to this effort.”

Pyle credits their success to the news story on Stuever and CLASS, which ran in conjunction with the Glitz Glamour Grit magazine published by the Daily American Republic last spring.

“We had such a positive response following that article,” says Pyle. “People were eager to contribute once they discovered exactly who we are and what we are trying to accomplish.”

Pyle cites one donation, in particular, as especially poignant.

“We received the sweetest letter from Mrs. Vivian Bess Urban,” recounts Pyle. “She is 92-years-old and lives in Belleville, Illinois; however, from 1936 to 1944 she lived in Dexter. In her letter Mrs. Urban says that during those years, through the kindness of others, she had nice clothes to wear and food to eat.

“Honestly,” Pyle says emotionally, “it brought tears to my eyes when I read it. Mrs. Urban sent a check for ten dollars as a token of her respect for what we are doing. Rhonda called her and talked to her personally.”

Pyle says that every donation is important and appreciated, and adds that in July of this year, a major goal was achieved when CLASS was designated a 501 C-3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization.

“Some people give once a year when we send out our donation letters, others give occasionally, as they have a few extra dollars,” Pyle explains. “We keep the donations separated by school district, so that money designated for a particular town goes to that school.”

Stuever first conceived the idea of helping county students with clothing, when she visited her daughter’s school in St. Louis and learned of a clothing assistance program called Eagles’ Wings. From her years as an educator, Stuever knew that such a program was needed in Stoddard County.

With the help of her long-time friend, the late Carolyn Corlew, Stuever began the search for others who shared her vision. A board of directors was eventually formed with Stuever as president, Pyle serves as secretary/treasurer, and Stuever’s sister-in-law Pam Stuever is the vice-president. Pyle’s daughters Caitlin Pyle and Hilary Duncan assist, as well.

“We oversee the planning and monetary disbursements,” adds Pam, “but there are others who act as liaisons to the various schools and communities, and a host of volunteers who shop and help assemble the gift bags.”

Pyle goes on to say, “Assembling the gift bags is a major effort. Volunteers came to my house over several days as we worked to get everything together for delivery to the schools.”

The gift bags include three complete outfits; underwear; tennis shoes and socks; along with pajamas; and a heavy, hooded coat.

“The items are all new,” explains Duncan, “and the shoppers really try their best to get the most bang for their bucks. They shop sales, use rewards and special discounts, and genuinely try to buy the best they can with the money they have. Several area merchants have helped out, as well, by donating merchandise or giving us special price breaks.”

Pyle says that this year they have averaged about $170 per student. She notes that most shoppers use their own money when shopping, then are immediately reimbursed when they present their receipts.

“Of course,” she points out, “not everyone can do that, so those who request it, are given the funds in advance.”

What originally began with students in the Richland school district, expanded this year to include Richland, Bernie, and Dexter.

“We supported 24 students in Bernie, 54 students in Dexter, and 26 students in Richland,” Pyle adds proudly. “It is our hope to eventually further expand the program to the other four schools in the county: Puxico, Advance, Bloomfield, and Bell City. Of course,” she adds, “expansion depends on individuals in those communities being willing to act as liaisons to the school, and as funds raisers within their town.”

Pyle says the growth of the program is a continual learning experience—in both the solicitation of funds, and in gathering information on students.

“We are looking at ways to make donations easier for individuals,” Pyle explains, “as well as the possibility of holding major fundraising events. We have found on our student information forms that we need more information for the older students, and some questions we have decided to eliminate.”

Pyle stresses that the entire process of gifting the students is confidential, and neither she, nor anyone outside the school knows the identity of the students who have been referred for assistance.

“The process begins when teachers make recommendations to our contact within the school,” explains Pyle. “The contact then sends a letter to the parents/guardian asking permission to gift the student. Once permission is obtained, the student is given a form to fill out asking about sizes, brands, color, style preference, etc. When we receive those forms, the student is identified by a number.”

Duncan observes, “It is so heartwarming and heart-wrenching when the students write personal notes on the information forms. Some will thank us in advance, and others will say things like they don’t have a favorite store because they’ve never shopped anywhere besides garage sales or used clothing shops.”

As the organization and its work continue to grow, a natural by-product of that is additional time and effort being required by the board. The members, though, are committed to the mission of CLASS and view their obligations as a labor of love and gratitude.

“My family has been blessed with much more than we need,” reflects Pyle. “When I look around and see those who can use a hand-up—particularly kids—I want to help if I can.”

Pam Stuever adds, “This organization, and what we do, gives kids a chance to feel good about themselves. Kids have enough worries at school, without having anxiety about the way they look.”

Duncan echoes her mother’s sentiment, “For me it’s all about being able to help. Growing up I never had to worry about not having shoes or a coat. Hopefully, what we do can help lift that burden.”

Those interested in obtaining more information about CLASS may visit their webpage at classinfo.org or email inquiries to stoddardcountyclass@gmail.com. Donations may be mailed to Toni Pyle at 807 Bent Creek Est., Dexter, MO, 63841.